2013 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Local Issues

Pat McCrory: Use lottery money for education, not lottery advertising

I'm recommending that we pursue legislation to reallocate a portion of money away from the bloated and frankly annoying advertising and the large administration cost of the Lottery Commission, and we will use that money to directly help our students with technology.

I also think we need to work together to give schools more flexibility to spend lottery funds on digital and virtual learning, which school districts, according to our laws, are not allowed to do right now.

There's a pot of money right now that can only be used on certain things. Why not let all of our districts use that money on technology and virtual learning? This is the future. Why don't we be ahead of the curve as opposed to being behind the curve?

Maggie Hassan: $80 million revenue from one high-end regulated casino

I know expanded gambling has been an on-going and difficult debate. But the social costs many are worried about are already here, and with Massachusetts moving forward, we can no longer pretend that expanding gambling isn't coming to our communities. It is. The question is: will we allow Massachusetts to take revenue from New Hampshire's residents to fund its needs, or will we develop our own plan that will allow us to address social costs and invest in our priorities?

I believe we should move forward with one high-end casino, while at the same time protecting New Hampshire's brand as a family-friendly state with a great outdoor economy. A high-end casino would also bring a significant economic boost, creating more than an estimated 2,000 jobs during construction and 1,000 long-term jobs.

Earl Ray Tomblin: Update pipeline safety statutes with $200,000 per violation

Tonight, I am proposing legislation to bring our State into federal compliance. I propose a maximum penalty of up to $200,000 per violation, per day. It is my hope by increasing penalties, we will meet federal standards and ensure overall public safety.

Mark Dayton: Make capital investments in the downtowns of major cities

For two years, my proposals to make capital investments in the downtowns of major cities, like St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, and St. Cloud, and investments in smaller, but equally essential projects throughout Minnesota were rejected by Republican legislative leaders. Despite a lagging construction industry and good Minnesotans in the building trades unable to find work, they just said No.

Well, just saying No just won't work...not in Rochester, where the renowned Mayo Clinic wants us to help them continue to outclass their competitors in other states and other countries...and to continue doing so from Rochester.

Mary Fallin: $10M for renovation of the State Capitol

One of those state needs--an asset that we must maintain--is the State Capitol. The Capitol is a symbol of our state, a place of business and a living museum dedicated to preserving Oklahoma history, literature and art work. It is not right for visitors to be greeted at this building by construction cones, crumbling facades and a faulty sewer system.

That is why I am proposing $10 million be allocated this year to immediately begin addressing repair needs and to chart a course towards a total renovation.

Steve Bullock: Full funding for Indian Country Economic Development

Rick Perry: Texas is nation's top moving destination for last 8 years

And even with a mass influx of job-seekers realizing their dreams in Texas, our unemployment rate has consistently remained below the national rate. Even with that growth in industry and population, we've maintained a strong commitment to the environment.

Rick Perry: Can-do culture: Texas is not merely strong, but exceptional

We believe these ideals are sturdy enough and strong enough to advance any and all Texans, regardless of race, color or creed. We embrace a "can do culture" for every citizen willing to work hard and pursue a dream. Those ideals propel us forward as we stand as a national example that hard work can breed success regardless of one's station in life, that freedom is the best antidote to poverty, and that each individual deserves to inherit a state of equality and opportunity. May the work we do in these hallowed halls preserve opportunity for every Texan.

Nathan Deal: $50 million bond package for the Port of Savannah

My budget includes an additional $50 million in the bond package for this project. This will bring our total state contribution to $231 million. That is almost the state's entire contemplated share of the costs of this project; the remainder of the cost is to be paid by the federal government. While that is a sizable amount of money we expect the benefits to be $5.50 for every dollar spent--Not a bad return on investment!

Rick Snyder: Reform no-fault auto insurance: We have largest claims in US

It's time for some reforms, folks. And, the two reforms I am talking about are first we should reform no-fault. It is time to do that in a thoughtful way. The second one is in the area of insurance fraud. We should create an Insurance Fraud Authority to address issues there, so that we can bring benefits to our citizens.

The insurance industry and the financial service industries continue to be more and more important in Michigan. Because of that, I have signed an Executive Order to create the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and I think it's a great opportunity.

Scott Walker: Reopen Travel Wisconsin welcome centers

Tonight, I'm happy to report that there are now eight Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers staffed with people that direct visitors to the many exciting attractions all across our great state. The Department of Tourism worked with the Department of Transportation and local chambers and visitors bureaus to form a tremendous partnership that protects state taxpayers in this effort.

With me tonight are a number of our dynamic Travel Wisconsin greeters, who provide a warm welcome to all of our visitors. It's no wonder tourism has grown to a $16 billion industry, supporting one in thirteen jobs in our state. Tourism is one of the many industries that benefit from a strong infrastructure system. We need to continue to invest in it to keep people working in Wisconsin.

Susana Martinez: Invest in the Paseo del Norte expansion